Chris Froome fifth after Criterium du Dauphine opener

Britain's Chris Froome is in fifth position after the opening day of Criterium du Dauphine, the Tour de France warm up race.

The Team Sky rider is one minute and 57 seconds behind current leader, the Canadian, David Veilleux.

Team Sky are looking to make it a hat-trick of Criterium du Dauphine wins after Sir Bradley Wiggins won the race in 2011 and 2012.

However, due to illness and injury, Wiggins isn't taking part in this year's race or the Tour De France which starts on June 29.

Therefore Chris Froome will be the unchallenged Team Sky's leading man for both events. The 28-year old has had a impressive season so far with victories in the Tour of Oman, Criterium International and Tour de Romandie stage races so far this season.

It was David Veilleux who will be donning the leader's jersey after the first stage in Switzerland as the Europcar rider claimed the biggest victory of his career.

He was part of an early breakaway on the tough 120km opening stage and was joined by Jean-Marc Bideau, Thomas Damuseau and Richardo Garcia Ambroa as they left the peloten trailing in their wake.

With 45km left, Veilleux then made an individual break to lead by one minute and 57 seconds as Damuseau and Garcia were caught by the peloton.

Stage two will start today with a hilly 191km from Chatel to Oyonnax. Veilleux will look to defend both his King of the Mountains and points jerseys as well as his overall lead whilst Chris Froome and the rest will hope to catch him.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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